Having a national brand operate a hotel at Jacksonville International Airport will be a boon to business travelers passing through the area, airport officials hope.

The longtime independent hotel on airport property has become a DoubleTree by Hilton.

The 201-room hotel's amenities include a fitness center, 24-hour business center, shuttle service to the airport and 11,000 square feet of function space, according to a statement provided by the hotel. The hotel is just 200 yards from the main terminal at Jacksonville International Airport.

"Business travelers and business are more apt to use that in conjunction with their travel," said Michael Stewart, director of external affairs for the Jacksonville Aviation Authority.

This will be the second DoubleTree in Jacksonville and will employ about 100 people.

"As one of the fastest growing hotel brands in the upscale, full service hotel category, expanding our offering in key business and leisure markets like Jacksonville is a priority for DoubleTree by Hilton," John Greenleaf, global head of the brand, said in a statement.

Stewart said he expects the relationship to be a mutually beneficial one, where the hotel will have access to business travelers who utilize Jacksonville International Airport.

In the event of a natural disaster or emergency, Stewart said it is also useful to have a hotel nearby to provide a comfortable place for stranded passengers.

Stewart said the hotel was closed for about four or five months while it was being renovated.